Official recognition of our cultural contributions to the growth and development of this nation bears testament to the struggles, sacrifices and tenacity of our forefathers. In 2011, 34.5 million U.S. residents claimed Irish ancestry. In his official proclamation President Obama declared:

“This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we

reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in

another.”

– President Barack Obama

Impoverished Irish immigrants arrived on these shores from a small island. They experienced Americanization from the bottom up, forging their Irish American identity in the streets, factories, workplaces, saloons and churches of their new land. The President goes on to say:

“Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their

fortunes with a young Republic. Escaping the blight of famine or the

burden of circumstance, many found hardship even here.

They endured prejudice and stinging ridicule.

But through it all, these new citizens never gave up on one of our

oldest ideas: that anyone from anywhere can write

the next great chapter in the American story.”

- President Barack Obama

Everyday we celebrate Ireland and America on the pages of this blog. Throughout the month of March we will continue to honor our unique heritage, celebrating our two nations and the amazing ties that bind us forever.

“So as we celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month, let us retell

those stories of sweat and striving. And as two nations united by

people and principle, may America and Ireland always continue to

move forward together in common purpose.”

– President Barack Obama

This Presidential Proclamation urges us to continue on our Irish American journey of storytelling. As the host of this blog I invite you to tell your family narratives of “sweat and striving”. Immigrant Tales is the perfect venue to feature your family’s personal American history.

Tales of saints and scholars, heroes, the famous, and the infamous need not be our focus. We can tell the stories of everyday Americans – tales of peasants arriving here speaking only Irish; the stories of everyday farmers, factory workers, policemen, maids, nuns, priests, business men and entrepreneurs. We can commemorate their dedication to making dreams come true in this great land of opportunity. I firmly believe ordinary men and women are our true heroes.

If you have an immigrant tale you would like to share, send me an e-mail. I would be honored to share your story on this website. Remember we now have a Presidential Proclamation urging us to retell our family stories.

And so together let’s do our very best to celebrate all that is good about our Irish American identity and culture.

Wishing you all a happy, memorable and meaningful Irish American Heritage Month.

Comments

Brian – For me, this recognition of Irish American accomplishment is a means of honoring our ancestors, no matter which President made the Proclamation. Whether Republican or Democrat it does not lessen the depth and meaning of this message. I did not intend to be political in this post, but I suppose being Irish, it is hard to avoid.
Take care,
Mairéad

Although I don’t particularly like the President, this is neat! For now I will try and put everything else aside and just focus on lots of Irish history along with delicious Irish food. Thanks for spreading the word!!

Thanks Aimee. I did not write this post as a political endorsement. I quoted President Obama’s Presidential Proclamation out of respect for the Office, and because I thought the sentiments expressed in this message were truly noteworthy. I appreciate how this month focuses on the positive contributions made by Irish people to the America we know today. So together, I think all Americans can celebrate the best that Irish American culture and heritage has to offer.
All the best,
Mairéad

I know…and I wanted to make sure and get to your blog today to let you know that! The declaration of having an Irish American Heritage month truly has nothing to do with the President that set it into play. What matters is celebrating all that the Irish have done for America- which is to say, an awful lot!